‘FAKE NEWS LAW PROTECTS EVERYONE’
Anti-Fake News Act not just to safeguard the government, says minister
THREE pieces of legislation await those who defame, publish and share fake news, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said yesterday.
She said the Anti-Fake News Act was formulated to safeguard the interest of all parties, and not just the government’s.
She said a piece of fake news, which defamed Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, was the first to be investigated under the new act.
“Once the investigation is concluded, the case will be taken to court.
“The act covers individuals who believe that they have been defamed on social media. Victims can lodge a police report. Apart from the Anti-Fake News Act, the authorities can take action under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, and the Communications and Multimedia Act.”
She said this after officiating the Pengerang-level “Zero-Debt” cheque presentation for Felda settlers at Dewan Felda Air Tawar 5 here.
Azalina, who was Pengerang member of parliament, said it was up to the prosecutor’s office whether a case would be prosecuted under the three acts, or otherwise.
What was important, she said, was that the authorities establish the source of fake news before taking action. Police, she said, would question the motive behind the person sharing the (fake news) status.
“The law is not for the government, but for all segments of society.
“I am certain that in the 14th General Election, more (fake news) will emerge involving both sides (of the political divide),” she said.
On Friday, it was reported that Pontian and Kluang police said they would work with the Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission to track down those responsible for spreading the rumours that Tunku Ismail would be treating shoppers at Pontian Econsave and Kuang Aeon Big to a shopping spree.
The rumours came about after Tunku Ismail spent RM1 million on shoppers at Aeon Tebrau on Wednesday.